with us in such districts. This conjecture I hazard, 

 as I have never met with any one that has seen them 

 in England in the winter. I believe they are not 

 fond of going near the water, but feed on earth- 

 worms, that are common on sheep-walks and downs. 

 They breed on fallows and lay fields abounding with 

 grey mossy flints, which much resemble their young 

 in colour ; among which they skulk and conceal them- 

 selves. They make no nest, but lay their eggs on the 

 bare ground, producing in common but two at a 

 time. There is reason to think their young run soon 

 after they are hatched ; and that the old ones do not 

 feed them, but only lead them about at the time of 

 feeding, which for the most part is in the night." 

 Thus far my friend. 



In the manners of this bird you see there is some- 

 thing very analogous to the bustard, whom it also 

 somewhat resembles in aspect and make, and in the 

 structure of its feet. 



For a long time I have desired my relation to look 

 out for these birds in Andalusia ; and now he writes 

 me word that, for the first time, he saw one dead 

 in the market on the 3rd of September. 



When the stone-curlew {pedicnemus) flies, it stretch- 

 es out its legs straight behind, like a heron. 



Selborne, Nov. 26, 1770. 



151 



